The Rocky Horror Picture Show really spoke to me when I was younger.
Heck, it still really speaks to me: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
You can be whomever or whatever you dream to be. This has been a foundational principle for my life.
Two decades ago (geez, the time, it has flown) I was involved in a RHPS shadowcast at my alma mater, the University of Maryland. I met so many dear friends (and former romantic partners) through my participation in the group.
In my final semester as an undergrad, I YOLO’d and auditioned for the role of Frank-N-Furter, who was played phenomenally by Human Muppet Tim Curry in the movie.
I had previously played Magenta a few times. She was/is probably my favorite role to shadowcast. But I feel like a fragment of the spirit of Tim Curry inhabited me and I had a ton of fun playing Frank. I think you can tell in the photos.
The publisher gifted me a physical copy of Curry’s memoir a while back and I’ve been putting off reading it. It’s sitting on one of my bookshelves, staring at me. I should probably pick it up and read it soon. I know it’s probably going to hurt more now that he’s gone.
I will forever cherish his time on this earth, because he left me such foundational media (outside of RHPS):
- FernGully (the role of Hexxus was MADE for him)
- Clue (you could tell he had so much fun filming)
- The Three Musketeers (I loved to hate him)
- Muppet Treasure Island (I’ve stated before he was a real life Muppet)
- Spamalot (what a fun show/soundtrack)
- Annie (such a fantastic Rooster, and opposite Carol Burnette?!)
- plus many other animated series/movies or video games
Good night, sweet prince. You were too freaky and had too much flair for this world to handle. You were a phenomenal triple-threat actor who always understood the assignment.
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